Kate Garraway health: Presenter’s health scare ‘The change was so dramatic’

Kate Garraway, 52, has had an enviable career in journalism which saw her joining the South edition of ITV News Central on ITV Central as a production journalist, reporter and news presenter back in 1994. Kate is now the co-anchor on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, waking the nation up with her bright smile and cheery demeanour. Behind her sunny disposition, however, Kate has struggled with a health condition.

READ MORE

• Simon Cowell health: Why X Factor star had to overhaul his diet

Kate opened up about her serious health woes after having tests done on her liver.

Kate was inspired by her co-presenter Susanna Reid who lost one stone due to ditching the booze. Embarking on the Dry January, which means drinking no alcohol for the whole month, Kate was hoping to start the year healthier and lighter.

Her goal to ditch the booze turned out to be one of the best decision as she was told by doctors she had fat around her liver due to too much alcohol consumption at Christmas.

Kate spoke to Closer and said: “If your liver is storing fat, then it’s not working as it should be, to do all the things it’s there to do.”

She told the publication, “I had my liver tested at the start and at the end of the month and quitting booze has really improved the way it was functioning.

“The change was so dramatic that the doctor said I had the liver of a four-year old. Now I try not to drink unnecessarily.”

Kate confessed that she still treats herself to one glass of wine at an event and also admitted that she drinks in part because her husband Derek Draper does.

Kate, who describes herself as a “moderate drinker”, says she thinks there’s a problem with how people who drink alcohol are treated. “I thought, I don’t really drink that much.

“But when you stop completely it is a shocker. You realise that a glass here, going to a function there, they all tot up. I have been really shocked by people’s reaction.

“I think we have a problem with how we treat people and alcohol.”

What happens to the body when you give up alcohol?

Dr Fiona Sim said: “Once you go sober, some of the health benefits will be noticeable straight away.

“For example, your raised blood pressure will come down and may return to normal.

“Your sleep pattern and quality will improve, so you’ll feel more refreshed when you get up in the morning.

“Your liver will be helped too but how much will depend on how much damage has already been done due to alcohol.”

READ MORE

• Rob Mallard health: Coronation Street star’s scary condition

How alcohol affects mental health too?

“Alcohol is associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression, so despite its popular image, it won’t help you feel relaxed if you’re stressed.

“It is also linked with self-harm or suicidal thoughts. After a heavy drinking session, you may not remember anything about the night before, but with long term drinking, that memory loss can be more serious,” said Dr Fiona.

The NHS said: “Men and woman are advised not to drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week on a regular basis.

“If you drink as much as 14 units a week, it’s best to spread this evenly over three or more days.

“If you’re trying to reduce the amount of alcohol you drink, it’s a good idea to have several alcohol-free days each week.”

Dr Fiona added: “When you stop drinking, your risks are reduced but if the damage has already been done to your brains cells, not all the harm can be reversed.”

Source: Read Full Article